Meaning
窥探 means to secretly observe or investigate something, often implying an invasion of privacy or unauthorized looking. It carries a negative connotation of sneaking or prying into matters that one should not be examining. The word suggests stealthy observation with improper or questionable motives.
Usage
This is a formal, somewhat literary term used in written Chinese and serious speech. It typically describes spying, snooping, or unauthorized observation of private matters, secrets, or restricted areas. Common contexts include discussions of privacy violations, espionage, voyeurism, or inappropriate curiosity about others' affairs.
Examples
- 01他被指控窥探商业机密。.He was accused of spying on trade secrets.
- 02不要窥探别人的私生活。.Don't pry into other people's private lives.
Characters
Common collocations
- 窥探隐私to pry into someone's privacy
- 窥探秘密to spy on secrets
- 窥探军情to spy on military intelligence
Antonyms
Origin
窥 originally depicted looking through a small opening (穴 cave/hole radical), while 探 combines hand and deep, suggesting reaching to investigate. Together they emphasize secretive, intrusive observation.